- Yellow nails with thickening, deformity, or texture changes may be a sign of a fungal nail infection.
- Yellow nails along with yellow skin or eyes, nausea, dizziness, or upper right abdominal pain may indicate liver problems.
- Yellow nails with white spots, streaks, or partial nail separation may be linked to chronic kidney disease.
Yellow nails are most often caused by a fungal nail infection, which can change the color, thickness, and shape of fingernails or toenails. This common condition, known as onychomycosis, may spread in places like pools, locker rooms, or through shared nail tools.
However, yellow nails can also be linked to other factors, such as aging, frequent use of nail polish, smoking, or low levels of vitamins like A and C. In some cases, they may be associated with skin conditions like psoriasis or lifestyle habits that affect nail health.
Yellow nails can sometimes signal more serious health problems, including liver or kidney disease, especially when other symptoms are present. Treatment depends on the cause and may include antifungal medications, dietary changes, or medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.
Why are my nails yellow?
The main causes of yellow nails are:
1. Fungal infections
Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, can change the color, shape, or texture of the nails. The affected fingernails or toenails often become thickened, deformed, and yellow.
These infections can spread in places like swimming pools or public locker rooms, where people frequently walk barefoot. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, they can also be transmitted in nail salons through shared manicure or pedicure tools.
What to do: Nail fungus can be treated with antifungal nail polishes or oral medications, which should be used under the guidance of a dermatologist.
2. Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies can make various parts of the body, including the nails, more fragile, brittle, and prone to discoloration. A lack of antioxidants such as vitamins A and C may cause nails to develop a yellowish tint.
What to do: Ideally, maintaining a healthy and varied diet helps prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies. If needed, a doctor or registered dietitian may recommend taking vitamin supplements for at least three months.
3. Normal aging
As we age, our nails may become weaker and take on a slightly yellow tint. This change is part of the natural aging process and is not usually a sign of any health problem.
What to do: Applying hydrogen peroxide can help lighten discolored nails. To make them stronger, you can use a nail-strengthening lacquer.
4. Frequent use of nail polish
Frequent use of nail polish, especially bright colors such as red or orange, or leaving it on for long periods can cause the nails to develop a yellowish tint.
What to do: To prevent nail yellowing caused by nail polish, alternate periods of wearing polish with periods of leaving the nails bare. It is also important to apply a clear base coat before using colored polish to help protect the nails.
5. Ungual psoriasis
Ungual (nail) psoriasis occurs when the body’s immune cells mistakenly attack the fingernails or toenails. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this can cause the nails to become thick, fragile, deformed, and uneven in texture, sometimes with visible spots.
What to do: Although psoriasis has no cure, the appearance of the nails can improve with nail polishes that contain clobetasol or vitamin D.
Other helpful home measures include keeping the nails well hydrated and following a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in flaxseeds, salmon, and tuna.
6. Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of several diseases, such as bronchitis and emphysema, because it contains high levels of toxic substances like nicotine. Nicotine can be absorbed through the skin, especially on the fingers and fingernails, causing them to appear yellow.
What to do: Although certain treatments can help brighten the nails, it is recommended to stop smoking. Quitting not only improves the appearance of your nails and skin but also reduces the risk of developing more serious health problems.
7. Liver problems
Yellow nails may also be a sign of a liver problem. In such cases, other liver disease symptoms can occur as well, including yellowing of the skin and eyes, nausea, frequent dizziness, and pain in the upper right area of the abdomen.
What to do: Treatment depends on the underlying liver condition, so tests are usually performed to determine the cause. Based on the results, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, or, in severe cases, a liver transplant.
8. Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease can also affect the nails by promoting fungal growth. In addition, people with this condition may develop other nail changes, such as white spots or streaks, or even partial separation of the nail from the skin.
What to do: It is important to see a dermatologist for an evaluation to determine whether the yellow skin is related to a kidney problem. If kidney disease is diagnosed, treatment should be managed by a nephrologist to help relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.
9. Excess beta-carotene intake
Eating large amounts of foods rich in beta-carotene can cause carotenemia. Although uncommon, this condition gives the skin a yellow-orange hue, which may also appear on the nails.
Excess beta-carotene is more common in children, mainly because infant formulas are often fortified with this nutrient. In addition, preparing foods rich in beta-carotene, such as purees, soups, or cooked dishes, can increase its bioavailability.
Examples of foods high in beta-carotene include cherries, mangoes, watermelon, papaya, and pumpkin.
What to do: In this situation, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other possible conditions. If carotenemia is confirmed, the provider may recommend temporarily reducing or avoiding foods that are high in beta-carotene.